The Nokia C02 and C21 Plus represent Nokia’s commitment to providing accessible smartphones. While both target the extremely budget-conscious consumer, they differ significantly in their internal hardware. The C02 opts for a simple quad-core processor, while the C21 Plus features a more complex octa-core Unisoc chipset. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C21 Plus is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its eight cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the C02’s quad-core processor, making it better suited for multitasking and app usage. While charging is limited to 10W, the overall user experience is smoother and more responsive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 23 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C02
- Potentially lower price point
- Simpler user experience
- Lightweight and compact
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- May struggle with modern apps
Nokia C21 Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient processor
- Slightly higher price
- Slow 10W charging
- Larger size may not suit all users
Display Comparison
Neither Nokia provides detailed display specifications. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions. The C21 Plus’s slightly larger form factor *may* translate to a marginally larger display, but neither is expected to offer vibrant colors or high brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy is not a priority at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are sparse, but it’s safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. Given the context, focusing on the primary sensor is key. Without specific megapixel counts, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, the C21 Plus’s more powerful processor *could* enable slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Nokia C02’s quad-core 1.4 GHz CPU is a basic configuration, suitable only for the most fundamental tasks. In contrast, the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor, split into four 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and four 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture allows for better multitasking and smoother performance in apps. The Cortex-A55 cores, while not high-performance, are significantly more efficient than older ARM designs. The 28nm fabrication process of the Unisoc chip isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s a reasonable compromise for cost-effectiveness. Users will experience a tangible difference in app loading times and overall responsiveness with the C21 Plus.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, given their similar size and target market, they likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Nokia C21 Plus supports 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards, but adequate for overnight charging. The C02’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the C21 Plus’s more efficient processor *may* contribute to slightly longer runtimes, even with a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C02 if you need a phone for absolutely basic tasks – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and prioritize simplicity. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience, plan to use multiple apps simultaneously, or want a phone that feels less sluggish during everyday tasks. The extra processing power justifies the potential price difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the C21 Plus struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a powerhouse, it's generally capable of running popular social media apps smoothly. You might experience occasional slowdowns with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The C02's quad-core processor is more likely to exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia C21 Plus painfully slow?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones. Expect a full charge to take several hours. However, given the likely battery capacity (around 3000-4000 mAh), overnight charging is a viable solution. It's a trade-off for the lower price point.
❓ Can the Nokia C21 Plus handle basic mobile games?
The C21 Plus can handle basic 2D games and less demanding 3D titles. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG Mobile at high settings. Frame rates will likely be low, and you may experience stuttering. The C02 will struggle even more with gaming.
